Fence and installation method therefor

ABSTRACT

A fence and an installation method for a fence or other laterally extending structure, the installation method comprising in one embodiment: obtaining a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface; obtaining a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; installing a support post in the hole to extend up above the top of the trench; disposing laterally extending panels at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attaching them to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the post to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; installing at least one retainer connecting to the panels across the void volume; and filling the void volume with stones or other fill material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the construction of footings for a fence or other structure, there frequently arise situations where concrete is not available and other footing installation methods cannot be used or are inconvenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, an installation method for a fence or other laterally extending structure is provided, comprising: obtaining a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface; obtaining a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; installing a support post in the hole to extend up above the top of the trench; disposing laterally extending panels at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attaching them to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the post to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; installing at least one retainer connecting to the panels across the void volume; and filling the void volume with stones or other fill material.

In a further embodiment of the invention, prior to installing the support post, a rigid sleeve with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the support post is installed in the hole, the sleeve extending up at least above the first bottom surface of the trench; and wherein the support post is installed into the sleeve; and wherein the panels are attached at approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the sleeve.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an installation method for a fence or other laterally extending structure is provided, comprising: installing or having installed multiple posts for a fence, with one or more of the posts installed using the following steps: obtaining a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface; obtaining a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; disposing laterally extending substantially parallel panels forming a void volume therebetween at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench around a periphery of an opening of the hole, with a plurality of retainers connected to the panels across the void volume; installing, either before or after the placing of the panels in the trench, a support post or sleeve in the hole to extend up above the first bottom surface of the trench, and attaching the panels to the support post or sleeve; and attaching or having attached fence material between the multiple posts to form a fence.

In a further embodiment, the laterally extending substantially parallel panels comprise a prefabricated assembly.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, a support post installation is provided, comprising: a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface, the trench having a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; a support post in the hole extending up above the top of the trench; laterally extending panels beginning at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attached to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the support post or a sleeve that may be disposed therearound to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; at least one retainer installed to the panels across the void volume; and stones or other fill material filling the void.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, an installed fence is provided, comprising: multiple posts for a fence, with one or more of the posts installed using the following steps: a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface, the trench having a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; a support post in the hole extending up above the top of the trench; laterally extending panels beginning at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attached to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the support post or a sleeve that may be disposed therearound to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; at least one retainer installed to the panels across the void volume; stones or other fill material filling the void; and fence material attached between the multiple posts to form a fence.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fencing is privacy fencing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fencing is security fencing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fencing comprises blast mitigation fencing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fencing is acoustical barrier fencing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the laterally extending panels comprise a prefabricated assembly with opposing side walls connecting the ends of the panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a fence installed using one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a detail of a post installation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a detail of a mesh panel that could be used in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a trench with a hole therein that may be used to implement the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of trench with the post and panels forming one embodiment of an installation in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an assembly that could be used in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a bracket that may be used in one embodiment of the invention to attach the panels to a post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the figures, in one embodiment an installation method and structure is disclosed for a post for a fence or other laterally extending structure. In a further embodiment, one or more different types of fences are disclosed. Such fences may include design features for security or privacy applications, or include features that facilitate acoustical barrier applications or blast barrier applications, among other applications.

With reference to FIG. 2, as a first step in one embodiment of a method of installing a post, a trench 10 is obtained in ground, with the trench 10 extending laterally with a top 12 of the trench having a first opening width 14, and having a first bottom surface 16. Note that the trench could be obtained by digging the trench 10 as part of the method, or it could be obtained by contracting out the digging operation to a third party. By way of example but not by way of limitation, a trench 10 with a width 14 that is 36 inches wide could be obtained in allocation where a post is to be installed. Note that unstable soil conditions may cause the walls of the trench to cave in to some extent, thereby resulting in an angular trench opening with an opening 14 at the top 12 which is wider than at the first bottom surface 16. The desired depth of the trench 10 will depend on the height of the fence or other structure that is to be constructed.

A hole 18 is then obtained in the first bottom surface 16 of the trench 10 with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width 14. The diameter of the hole 18 will depend in part on the diameter of a post or sleeve to be inserted therein. As noted above, the hole could be obtained by digging, or it could be obtained by contracting the digging operation out to a third party. The depth of the hole 18 depends in part on the height of the post to be inserted therein and the height of the fence or other structure to be constructed. By way of example but not limitation, the hole 18 could have a diameter of 10-12 inches with a depth of 24 inches. A support post 20, as shown in FIG. 3, is installed in the hole 18 to extend up above the top 12 of the trench 10.

In an embodiment, space in the hole 18 surrounding the post 20 may be backfilled with stone or other convenient material to stabilize the post during subsequent construction operations.

In one embodiment, laterally extending panels 24 and 26, shown in FIG. 3, are respectively attached at substantially the first bottom surface 16 of the trench 10 to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the post 20 to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post 20.

The panels 24 and 26 may be, in one embodiment, mesh panels formed by a wire mesh, for example made of carbon steel or stainless steel or an alloy metal, or a fiberglass or other plastic, or any other convenient material that can be used to form wire. Openings in the mesh and the diameter of the wire or other material used to form the mesh may vary depending on the granular diameter of an intended filler material to be used to fill the void volume between the panels 24 and 26. For example, for stone filler an opening in the mesh of 0.375 inches could be used and the mesh panel could be made of 8 gauge wire. As another example, for 0.5 inch by 0.5 inch openings in the mesh, a 16 gauge wire could be used. A example of a welded mesh panel is illustrated in FIG. 1C. An advantage of mesh panels is reduced weight and ease of handling during construction.

A filter fabric 29 (see FIG. 1A) of a desired porosity may be provided on the inside or the outside of the mesh panels 24 and 26 to catch soil or other small granular material, while allowing water or other liquid to pass through. Such filter fabrics may be woven or non-woven for example.

In a different embodiment, the panels 24 and 26 could be both solid panels made of metal, plastic or other convenient material. In alternate embodiments, one of the panels could be a mesh panel and the other could be a solid panel. An advantage to the use of one or more solid panels is improved rigidity of the void volume formed between the panels. Additionally, diffusion of sound is improved.

The method of attachment of the panels 24 and 26 to the post 20 is not limiting on the invention. By way of example but not limitation, referring to FIG. 5, a U-shaped bracket 50 may be disposed around the post 20, such that flat ends 52 and 54 of the bracket will face one of the panels 24 or 26 on one side thereof. A flat bar companion piece 56 may then be positioned on the other side of the respective panel with holes therein matching and aligning to one of more holes in the ends 52 and 54. The flat bar companion piece 56 could then be attached via bolts or screws through these holes to the ends 52 and 54 of the U-shaped bracket. Alternatively, the flat bar companion piece 56 could be attached to the U-shaped bracket by welding or other convenient attachment method. Note that the bracket could take a variety of shapes, such as rectangular or square shapes.

The panels may extend up the post to a convenient height depending on the height of the post 20, the load that may be applied against the structure to be constructed, and the particular application as discussed below. The method and structure would further include at least one retainer 28, shown in FIGS. 1B and 3, installed to connect to the panels 24 and 26 across the void volume and prevent the panels from spreading when void volume is filled with fill material. Note that if the post 20 is disposed at one end of the void volume to be filled, there may only be a need for one retainer. Multiple retainers 28 may be attached at the tops of the panels, at the bottom of the panels, or at any other convenient location. Also, in one embodiment, one of the retainers may comprise a sidewall formed on a side of the volume void at one end of the panels.

The void volume is then filled with stone or another convenient fill material.

After the filling the void volume step, the trench 20 may then be backfilled on the outer sides of the panels 24 and 26 and any other remaining unfilled volume in the trench filled with stone, earth or other convenient material. A compacting operation may be performed on this filler, as needed, as it is being applied to the bottom of the trench upward, to more permanently anchor the buried post 20.

The construction method would then be continued by installing a plurality of the posts 20 at different locations and using the plurality of the posts as supports to construct a fence or other structure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, prior to installing the support post 20, a rigid sleeve 30 with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the support post may be installed in the hole 18. See FIG. 3. The sleeve 30 may extend up at least above the first bottom surface 16 of the trench 10. In one embodiment, the sleeve 30 could extend from the bottom of the hole 18 to 12 inches or more above the top 12 of the trench. Note that if wind-loading is a factor for the structure, then the sleeve 30 could be extended 4 feet or more above grade. Such an extension increases the strength of the post, effectively doubling the bending resistance of the post. By way of example, such a sleeve could be formed from metal and have a diameter such as to permit a slip-fit installation of the post 20 into the sleeve. The panels 24 and 26 are then attached at approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the sleeve 30.

The use of a sleeve 30 in the structure and the installation method can speed the installation operation. From an installation standpoint, the sleeve facilitates a number of separate operations. A construction crew has the option of digging the trenches 10 and holes 18, and then installing the sleeves 30. The same or a different construction crew could then install the panels at that time or at a later time. The installation of the posts and fence or other structure could then be completed at some later time, for example, one or more hours later, or one or more days later. This would allow two or more separate construction crews to perform these operations. Another advantage to the use of sleeves 30, is that the construction crew starts with a short piece of pipe (sleeve) in the trench instead of being required to work with a post 20 feet in length.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the individually installed panels could be replaced by an assembly comprising laterally extending substantially parallel panels forming a void volume therebetween, with a plurality of retainers connected to the panels across the void volume. Such an assembly could be pre-fabricated and installed around the sleeve 30 or post 20 as a unit or be installed before installation of the sleeve or post. In one configuration, the plurality of retainers may comprise side walls connecting the panels at opposite ends of the void volume. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 4. The panels in the assembly could be mesh, solid or a combination thereof.

Accordingly, selected embodiments of the invention can replace concrete footings and/or grade beams. Thus, concrete poured around a post in a single post hole or continuous concrete walls below grade into which posts are embedded are replaced. Selected embodiments can reduce overall labor and material construction costs and limit the amount of heavy equipment required in the field.

Selected embodiments of the invention also allow the use of earthen construction materials natural to the surrounding areas along the construction path.

Selected embodiments may act as a barrier to prevent erosion through, around and under the post installation because it extends under ground with a given lateral volume and width.

Selected embodiments of the invention may also act as a barrier to prevent tunneling under the installation, as the post installation extends below ground, and any cutting of the solid panels or the mesh panels would be difficult, and would cause the rock filler to flow out, thereby blocking the cut hole in the panel.

Selected embodiments of the invention, particularly embodiments where the panels extend above grade, may also serve as a blast mitigator to absorb energy and diffuse pressure waves from explosions, and sound waves from aircraft jets engines. Accordingly, in one embodiment, fencing is installed/attached to the posts to facilitate blast mitigation. Blast fencing is generally constructed out of heaver material than the other fences but can also be concrete, masonry, steel, earth, or polymer composites or combinations of all of these. The blast fence is designed to absorb or reflect the force of a blast and to not allow projectiles to penetrate the interior surface. Earth can be used as a filler component of the fence system by placing a suitable sheet material of sufficient strength to retain earth, rocks or other loose filler material with in the selected mesh.

In a further embodiment, fencing is installed/attached to the posts to form an acoustical barrier. There are a wood variety of materials that may be used for acoustical barriers including concrete and other masonry material, a wide range of metals in sheets, wood planking and sheets, plastic sheets and plastic laminates.

In a yet further embodiment, fencing is installed/attached to the posts comprising welded fence with mesh or chain link to thereby facilitate security fence applications. There may be some expanded metal used in the fencing. The mesh size for the security fence may be smaller than residential or commercial perimeter fencing. The security fence can be attached to posts with fasteners or welded. Polymer coated welded wire fence for security applications can be electrically charged or fitted with electronics that support intrusion detection systems. The fence posts may be designed to include fixtures to hold the charging connections and/or intrusion detection components. Such security fencing may further include tamper-proof hardware, such as tamper-proof attaching brackets, to prevent disassembly.

In a yet further embodiment, fencing is installed/attached to the posts for privacy fence applications. Privacy fencing can be made from wood, welded or woven wire, plastic sheeting, textile or any other material that can be erected in a vertical fashion. In some embodiments, a lighter weight is used compared to security applications.

Selected embodiments of the invention, particularly embodiments where rock filled panels extend 4 feet or more above grade, may function as vehicle barriers.

Selected embodiments of the invention properly configured, may thus resist assaults against barrier above and below grade, as well as withstanding the forces of nature.

It should be noted that although the description provided herein is in a specific order of exposition, it is understood that the order of these steps may differ. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on designer choice. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. An installation method for a fence or other laterally extending structure, comprising: obtaining a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface; obtaining a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; installing a support post in the hole to extend up above the top of the trench; disposing laterally extending panels at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attaching them to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the post to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; installing at least one retainer connecting to the panels across the void volume; and filling the void volume with stones or other fill material.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising installing a plurality of the posts at different locations and using the plurality of the posts as supports to construct a fence.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein multiple retainers are installed between the panels.
 4. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: backfilling a volume within the hole around the support post; and backfilling the trench after the filling the void step.
 5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein multiple retainers are installed between the panels, and wherein voids are created between the panels on both sides of the post and those voids are filled with stones or other similar size fill material.
 6. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising, prior to installing the support post, installing in the hole a rigid sleeve with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the support post, the sleeve extending up at least above the first bottom surface of the trench; and wherein the support post is installed into the sleeve; and wherein the panels are attached at approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the sleeve.
 7. The method as defined in claim 6, wherein there is a time lapse of at least an hour between the installing the sleeve step and the performance of the installing the support post step.
 8. The method as defined in claim 6, wherein the sleeve extends at least three feet above grade.
 9. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the panels are mesh panels.
 10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein openings in the mesh panels are sized to retain a fill material having a granular diameter of greater than a predetermined size.
 11. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the panels are solid panels.
 12. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein one of the panels is a mesh panel and the other panel is a solid panel.
 13. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer comprises at least one side wall connecting the panels at one end of the void volume.
 14. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: installing multiple posts in accordance with the method steps of claim 1; and installing fencing to the multiple posts to extend therebetween.
 15. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein the fencing is privacy fencing.
 16. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein the fencing is security fencing.
 17. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein the fencing comprises blast mitigation fencing.
 18. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein the fencing is acoustical barrier fencing.
 19. An installation method for a fence or other laterally extending structure, comprising: installing or having installed multiple posts for a fence, with one or more of the posts installed using the following steps: obtaining a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface; obtaining a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; disposing laterally extending substantially parallel panels forming a void volume therebetween at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench around a periphery of an opening of the hole, with a plurality of retainers connected to the panels across the void volume; installing, either before or after the placing of the panels in the trench, a support post or sleeve in the hole to extend up above the first bottom surface of the trench, and attaching the panels to the support post or sleeve; and attaching or having attached fence material between the multiple posts to form a fence.
 20. The method as defined in claim 19, wherein the laterally extending substantially parallel panels comprise a prefabricated assembly.
 21. The method as defined in claim 20, further comprising, filling the void volume with stones or other fill material; and backfilling the trench after the filling the void volume step.
 22. The method as defined in claim 19, further comprising, prior to installing the support post, installing in the hole the sleeve with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the support post, the sleeve extending up at least above the first bottom surface of the trench; and wherein the support post is installed into the sleeve; and wherein the panels are attached at approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the sleeve.
 23. The method as defined in claim 19, wherein the panels are mesh panels.
 24. The method as defined in claim 19, wherein the plurality of retainers comprise side walls connecting the panels at opposite ends of the void volume.
 25. A support post installation, comprising: a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface, the trench having a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; a support post in the hole extending up above the top of the trench; laterally extending panels beginning at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attached to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the support post or a sleeve that may be disposed therearound to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; at least one retainer installed to the panels across the void volume; and stones or other fill material filling the void.
 26. The support post installation as defined in claim 25, wherein the laterally extending panels comprise a prefabricated assembly with opposing side walls connecting the ends of the panels.
 27. The support post installation as defined in claim 25, further comprising the sleeve disposed around a bottom portion of the support post.
 28. An installed fence, comprising: multiple posts for a fence, with one or more of the posts installed using the following steps: a trench in ground, the trench extending laterally with a top of the trench having a first opening width, and having a first bottom surface, the trench having a hole in the first bottom surface of the trench with an approximate diameter that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first opening width; a support post in the hole extending up above the top of the trench; laterally extending panels beginning at substantially the first bottom surface of the trench and attached to approximately opposing ends of a diameter of the support post or a sleeve that may be disposed therearound to thereby create a void volume between the panels at least on one side of the post; at least one retainer installed to the panels across the void volume; stones or other fill material filling the void; and fence material attached between the multiple posts to form a fence.
 29. The fence as defined in claim 28, wherein the fencing is privacy fencing.
 30. The fence as defined in claim 28, wherein the fencing is security fencing.
 31. The fence as defined in claim 28, wherein the fencing comprises blast mitigation fencing.
 32. The fence as defined in claim 28, wherein the fencing is acoustical barrier fencing.
 33. The fence as defined in claim 28, wherein the laterally extending panels comprise a prefabricated assembly with opposing side walls connecting the ends of the panels.
 34. The fence as defined in claim 28, further comprising the sleeve disposed around a bottom portion of the support post. 